‘E-commerce’ or digital shopping as it’s commonly called, represents a method for conducting business online, spanning a broad spectrum of industries such as food, apparel, reservations, and more.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated online sales by an impressive 25% in March 2020 alone, prompting businesses of all sizes to invest in digital solutions and seek IT companies for the creation of e-commerce platforms.
Have you considered transitioning your business to an online platform to adapt to social distancing requirements? This article covers all the essentials you should know before launching your e-commerce site.
The significance of e-commerce development
In 2019, online commerce accounted for approximately $3.5 trillion in revenue and is projected to reach $4.9 trillion by 2021.
Here are some key advantages of having an e-commerce platform for your business:
- Quickly and efficiently meet customer demands, delivering smarter solutions right to their doorstep!
- Unlimited geographic reach and round-the-clock service
- Embrace the digital age: stay competitive in the market
- Boost your brand image and propel your business to new heights!
- Build trust through the influence of customer reviews
- Seamless marketing with the power of advertisements
- Cost-efficient and a valuable investment
- No expenses for physical storefronts
- Offer superior communication with clients via chatbots
- Assists in overcoming various challenges during unpredictable times.
- Facilitates data gathering and analysis for future strategies
Discover more about the impact of online shopping
E-Commerce Models and Their Types:
Before creating an e-commerce platform, it’s important to understand the three primary fulfillment models, which define the roles of retailers, distribution channels, and inventory management.
- The Dropshipping Model: This approach involves no physical inventory. Business owners don’t maintain stock or handle storage. Instead, orders are forwarded directly to the manufacturer, who manages storage and shipping to the customer.
- Traditional Order Fulfillment Model: This classic retail model involves purchasing inventory from wholesalers at discounted prices, adding a markup, and delivering products directly to customers.
- Outsourced Fulfillment Model: This hybrid strategy uses a ‘fulfillment center’. These companies are contracted to manage the logistics, handling products from supplier to customer on behalf of the retailer.
Newest e-commerce development trends
Staying updated with the latest online shopping trends is crucial. Here are the top 9 must-know trends in e-commerce development.
- If you must pick between Web and Mobile, go for Mobile!: Building both mobile and web platforms can be expensive, so if you need to choose, prioritize mobile app development. Most users prefer Mobile First, sometimes Mobile Only. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Amazon Pay, Samsung Pay, and Paypal make transactions effortless without a computer.
- Add Animation: Static pages are outdated! Incorporating animation and movement on your site highlights key features and captivates visitors. 360-degree product videos and GIFs are highly suggested.
- Automation: Leveraging IoT and AI/ML technologies in e-business automates numerous business processes. For instance, automating customer support and order fulfillment is now standard.
- Artificial Intelligence: AI is a leading trend, enabling brands to interact with customers through chatbots that answer queries and streamline purchasing and returns. This trend delivers immense value to busy shoppers who expect instant responses, regardless of time or channel. AI empowers e-commerce businesses to assist customers across all platforms simultaneously.
- Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR & VR): AR and VR allow customers to preview, modify, and personalize products before buying, offering a tailored brand experience.
- One-click Functionality: Your online store should be intuitive and require no extra instructions. A user-friendly one-click process simplifies ordering and enhances the experience for busy buyers.
- Voice/Image Search: As convenience becomes a priority, customers are moving away from typing. Voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa have popularized voice search. Integrating voice search into your platform is highly beneficial, as it attracts more visitors. Similarly, image search lets users find products they’ve seen elsewhere with ease.
- Connect Your Store to Social Shopping: Popular visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest continually introduce new ways for brands to market organically. In-app shopping features let customers purchase without leaving their favorite platforms, fostering greater trust and security.
- Diverse Models: Since customers can’t physically touch products, e-commerce relies on visuals. A single model type is no longer enough. Shoppers want to see diversity in images—different sizes, colors, and backgrounds—making the experience more relatable and authentic.
Group of different young people. Social diversity
Enhance Your Website/Mobile App Design
A poorly crafted website or app won’t get you far!
The e-commerce sector depends heavily on visual appeal. Without an attractive design, customers may judge your business negatively at first glance, which can hurt sales.
This is why online fashion retailers invest significantly in their digital presence.
Learn more about the value of UI/UX design
Now that you’re aware of these details, what’s stopping you from launching your own e-commerce platform? Reach out to the right development partner and become part of the fastest-growing industry!
We are a top eCommerce web development agency, delivering stunning web-based eCommerce solutions for exceptional online shopping experiences. Our services include comprehensive eCommerce website design and custom development for businesses of all sizes.
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